Get Outside and Play!

There is no shortage of active events to get you outside enjoying our area’s glorious summer weather. If being on, by or in the water is your thing, look no further than the Pend Oreille River Water Trail, for starters. Each summer, the Pend Oreille River plays host to hydroplane races (both in Newport and further north in Ione), snowmobile races across the flowing river (at Down River Days), the Tri-town Float Down in north county and the infamous Pend Oreille Poker Paddle from Oldtown to Usk, now in its 32nd year. Wrapping up the summer is the Newport Biayakathon, where participants paddle bike against the clock, starting from Oldtown Rotary Park.

For those who enjoy the fairways more than the waterways, there are a number of golf fundraisers held at local courses including the Newport Hospital Foundation’s “Fore!” the Health of It tournament and the Kalispel Tribe of Indians’ People of the Pend Oreille tournament, both held at Stoneridge in Blanchard. Later in August, the Greater Newport Area Chamber of Commerce and the Priest River Chamber of Commerce team up to put on their “Challenge for Charity” golf tournament at The Ranch Club Golf Course in Priest River, where teams compete to win prize money for the local charity of their choice. All of these tournaments are open to the public and we’d love to see you out on the greens!

Last but not least, there are the events for the more hardcore athletes. You know, the ones who like to run, bike and/or swim and get those endorphins really flowing. Pend Oreille River Valley’s Relay for Life is held through the night at the Newport high school track in mid-August and is an inspiring event that raises funds for and awareness of cancer research, treatment and prevention. There’s also the Diamond Lake half marathon/swim, the Great Northwest Fall Bike Tour starting at TJ Kelly Park in Newport, the WACANID bike race along the spectacular International Selkirk Loop and the Hospital Foundation’s Autumn Bloom Fun Run held in Newport in late September.

Indoor Recreation

By now you’ve figured out that there’s no shortage of activities to do outside during the summer months in the Greater Newport area. But what about indoor activities for the occasional cloudy day or when your shoulders are still blistering from the weekend’s sun? Don’t worry – you can stay active both indoors and out!

The Kalispel Tribe of Indians’ Camas Center for Community Wellness is located on tribal land in Usk. The multi-million dollar center is an incredible asset available for the entire community and visitors to enjoy, featuring unforgettable indoor pools (lap, kids, splash park, water slides, whirlpool), weight training, various fitness classes, climbing wall and full indoor gymnasium. It’s no surprise that the Kalispel Tribe of Indians was named 2011 Community Partner of the Year for their outstanding support of our community.

In Newport, just across from our Visitors Center, you’ll find Club Energy, a privately owned 20,000 sq. foot full service health and fitness facility providing the latest fitness has to offer. The Certified Trainers are second to none and the group classes range from Zumba to Mat Pilates, kids self-defense, Spinning, yoga and Kettlebells. You can also enjoy the free weights, cardio equipment, racquetball and squash courts, fully equipped Pilates studio, tumbling classes and stand up tanning.

And if you’re looking for more fun, less sweating, then put on your bowling shirt and head on over to OK Lanes in Oldtown for some good old fashioned bowling. There are even gutter bumpers available for young children or the bowling challenged. Food, video games and full bar on site as well so you can make a day or an evening of it!